While gratitude is something we often reflect on in November, it is a great habit to get into all year long! It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day routine and forget to take the time to appreciate what you have and the people around you. Being grateful and helping others can have a positive impact on well-being, as both may increase feelings of happiness, subsequently reducing stress and negative emotions.
Try these strategies to help you be more grateful!
- Make gratitude a daily habit. Every day, write down three things you are grateful for and one thing that you’ll do for someone else. Making this a daily habit yields great results!
- Mind your manners. “Please” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with others. It demonstrates respect and appreciation.
- Write a note. If there is someone in your life that has had a significant positive impact on you, tell them in a handwritten note. It will make them feel good, and you’ll feel good sending it.
- Spend quality time with someone you appreciate. Plan an activity to do together just for the fun of it.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Whether handwritten or digital, keeping a journal of all of the positives in your life can help foster a strong sense of gratitude.
- Give to those in need. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate food, send care packages to hospital patients, or visit an eldercare facility. You’ll improve someone else’s day and your own!
Easy ways to give back to your community
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen, nursing home, homeless shelter or animal rescue
- Donate food to local food banks
- Walk or run in a charity race
- Support local businesses
- Participate in park and community cleanups
- Click here for even more great ideas!
For Health Advocate members
If you are a Health Advocate member with access to the wellness coaching component of our Wellness Program, contact your Wellness Coach for more great ideas on how to improve your health and well-being.
